STEP 2 - Flatten and spread the ground hamburger meat so there is more surface area exposed.

STEP 3 - Add the egg along with whatever other ingredients you will be using. I have added the egg, Tabasco sauce, worcestershire sauce, and a generous amount of crushed red pepper. No bread crumbs yet.

STEP 4 - Begin mixing all of the ingredients into the meat by folding the hamburger meat over itself and working it together with your hands. Fold and press.

STEP 5 - Continue kneading the hamburger meat mixture until you are satisfied that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

STEP 6 - Flatten the hamburger meat mixture against the counter once again.

STEP 7 - Lightly cover the top of the hamburger meat mixture with breadcrumbs and then mix it into the meat in the same way that you just did the other ingredients. The amount of breadcrumbs will vary from batch to batch depending on the amount of liquid ingredients you add. The idea here is to get the meat to a consistency where it holds together really well but is not overly wet or dry. When you can work a piece into a tight ball and plop it down on the counter without it deforming too much or breaking then you've got the right mix.

STEP 8 - Work the hamburger meat mixture into a symmetrical 'ball'.

STEP 9 - Split the ball up into equal sized portions. These will be your patties so decide how big you want your burgers to be. You can do this by hand or with a large knife. I find the knife is easier to get a good separation with.

STEP 10 - Take each hamburger meat portion and work it into a tight ball. Cup the meat between your hands and squeeze it as hard as you can to pack it together tightly.

STEP 11 - Once you have a tight ball of meat in your hand, slowly work it between your palms into a flat, patty shape. If the edges start to split, use the crease in the center of the palm of your hand to 'pinch' and work them back together. I always make more than I am planning on immediately cooking, so the extra hamburgers can fit between sheets of wax paper and then into a freezer bag to be frozen for later.

STEP 12 - Cook up some of these burgers using your favorite method, and serve on a toasted bun with the condiments of your choice.